Archery has flourished as both a competitive sport and a cultural tradition across the globe. Various international federations oversee the many forms of archery, catering to diverse disciplines, styles, and equipment. This article provides a comprehensive overview of major international and European archery federations, including their focus, founding dates, and websites.

World Archery Federation (WA)

• Founded: 1931
• Focus: Olympic-style target archery.
• Key Features:
  • Governs Olympic and Paralympic archery.
  • Recognizes disciplines such as recurve, compound, and barebow.
  • Organizes events like the World Archery Championships and Archery World Cup.
• Website: https://worldarchery.sport

International Field Archery Association (IFAA)

• Founded: 1968
• Focus: Field and 3D archery in natural environments.
• Key Features:
  • Offers traditional, compound, and recurve bow categories.
  • Emphasizes outdoor archery with animal silhouettes and 3D targets.
  • Hosts events such as the World Field Archery Championships and World Bowhunter Championships.
• Website: https://ifaa-archery.org

Traditional Archery International (ITAF)

• Founded: Unknown
• Focus: Preserving traditional archery techniques.
• Key Features:
  • Promotes cultural styles of archery, such as Turkish, Mongolian, and Japanese.
  • Restricts the use of modern equipment (e.g., no sights or stabilizers).
• Website: https://traditional-archers-international.org/

International Horseback Archery Alliance (IHAA)

• Founded: 2013
• Focus: Horseback archery.
• Key Features:
  • Combines archery with horsemanship.
  • Highlights traditional styles of mounted archery from cultures like Korean, Hungarian, and Turkish.
  • Organizes international competitions such as the World Horseback Archery Championships.
• Website: https://www.horsebackarchery.info

World Crossbow Shooting Association (WCSA)

• Founded: 2003
• Focus: Crossbow archery.
• Key Features:
  • Dedicated to crossbow shooting in target, field, and match formats.
  • Standardizes crossbow equipment and competition rules.
• Website: https://worldcrossbow.com

Traditional Bowhunters Federation (TBF)

• Founded: Unknown
• Focus: Ethical bowhunting.
• Key Features:
  • Promotes traditional archery equipment for hunting purposes.
  • Encourages conservation and outdoor skills.
• Website: (No confirmed international site)

Archery Shooters Association (ASA)

• Founded: 1993
• Focus: 3D archery competitions.
• Key Features:
  • Popular in North America.
  • Uses life-sized animal targets to simulate hunting scenarios.
• Website: https://www.asaarchery.com

European Archery Federation (EAF) (Now World Archery Europe)

• Founded: 1988
• Focus: Archery governance in Europe.
• Key Features:
  • Organizes events such as the European Archery Championships.
  • Oversees the development of archery across European nations.
• Website: https://www.archeryeurope.org

National Field Archery Society (NFAS)

• Founded: 1972 (UK-based but with international influence)
• Focus: Field and 3D archery with traditional bows.
• Key Features:
  • Promotes archery in outdoor settings using animal or traditional targets.
• Website: https://www.nfas.net

Archery World Alliance (AWA)

• Founded: Unknown
• Focus: Collaboration between regional and international archery bodies.
• Key Features:
  • Works to promote archery globally through partnerships.
• Website: (No central website; details managed by associated organizations)

International Longbow Archers Association (ILAA)

• Founded: Maybe 2010
• Focus: Traditional longbow archery.
• Key Features:
  • Preserves the use of longbows in traditional and competitive formats.
• Website: https://longbow-archers-association.org/

International Bowhunting Organization (IBO)

• Founded: 1984
• Focus: Bowhunting and 3D archery.
• Key Features:
  • Organizes bowhunting competitions.
  • Promotes ethical hunting practices.
• Website: https://www.ibo.net

International Archery Federation (FITA) (Now World Archery Federation)

• Founded: 1931
• Focus: Target and Olympic archery.
• Key Features:
  • Precursor to World Archery Federation.
  • Established modern competitive archery foundations.
• Website: https://worldarchery.sport

Asian Archery Federation (AAF)

• Founded: 1978
• Focus: Archery development in Asia.
• Key Features:
  • Oversees regional competitions such as the Asian Archery Championships.
• Website: http://www.asianarchery.com

World Indigenous Games Archery Federations

• Focus: Archery traditions of indigenous communities.
• Key Features:
  • Highlights traditional practices of indigenous peoples.
  • Promotes cultural exchange and historical archery techniques.
• Website: Varies by region; no global central body website.

Archery’s diversity is reflected in the variety of international federations governing the sport. Whether you’re drawn to Olympic-style target archery, field and 3D competitions, horseback archery, or traditional cultural practices, there’s a federation to match your interest. Each plays a vital role in preserving and promoting this timeless sport, ensuring its legacy endures across generations.